USCIS Proposes Major Fee Hike for Citizenship Applications

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed a significant increase to the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, fee. This proposed change, which has moved past the public comment period, could raise the fee for applying for citizenship substantially. As of September 26, 2026, the final rule has not been published, meaning current fees and fee waiver options are still in effect. However, the proposed rule aims to eliminate fee waivers and the reduced fee option, impacting many eligible individuals.

This analysis will break down what the proposed fee increase entails, who will be most affected, and what steps individuals can take to navigate this evolving situation. Understanding the current status and potential changes is key for anyone planning to apply for U.S. citizenship.

Where the Proposed Rule Stands

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published its proposal for “Naturalization Application Fee Adjustments” on June 23, 2026. The public comment period for this proposal closed on August 24, 2026. Currently, no final rule has been issued, and the agency is reviewing the public feedback. Until a final rule is published and its effective date arrives, USCIS must continue to accept applications with the existing fee schedule. This includes the current fees for paper and online filings, the reduced fee option, and available fee waivers.

What the Proposal Would Change

The proposed rule introduces several key changes to the naturalization process fees. The most significant change is the proposed increase in the Form N-400 fee. For paper filings, the fee would rise from $760 to $1,330, a 75% increase. For online filings, the fee would increase from $710 to $1,280, an 80% jump. Additionally, the proposal includes a substantial increase for Form N-336, the form used to appeal a denied naturalization application, from $830 to $1,475 for paper filings and from $780 to $1,425 for online filings.

Beyond fee hikes, the proposal aims to eliminate the $380 reduced fee for Form N-400 and end fee waivers for both Form N-400 and Form N-336. The $50 discount for filing online would remain in place, maintaining the difference between paper and online fees.

Current vs. Proposed Naturalization Fees

Fee	Current	Proposed	Change
Form N-400, paper	$760	$1,330	+$570 (75%)
Form N-400, online	$710	$1,280	+$570 (80%)
Form N-400, reduced fee	$380	Eliminated	Pay full fee
Form N-336, paper	$830	$1,475	+$645 (77.7%)
Form N-336, online	$780	$1,425	+$645 (83%)
Fee waiver (N-400 & N-336)	Available	Eliminated	Pay full fee
Military (INA 328 or 329)	$0	$0	No change

Who Pays More, and By How Much

The proposed fee increase will affect all non-military applicants, but the impact will be most significant for those who currently benefit from fee waivers or the reduced fee. An applicant who currently qualifies for a fee waiver and files on paper would see their cost jump from $0 to $1,330. Those using the reduced fee would face an increase of $950, moving from $380 to $1,330.

These discount programs are not minor provisions. Data from April 2024 to March 2025 shows that USCIS approved approximately 157,488 Form N-400 fee waivers and 32,344 reduced fees. This represents about 19% of all naturalization applications during that period. DHS argues that the current reduced fee eligibility, which extends to households earning up to 400% of the federal poverty guidelines, is too broad. The agency also notes that applicants receiving fee waivers or reduced fees have historically had lower approval rates compared to full-fee filers.

Why DHS Says the Fee Must Rise

The primary justification for the proposed fee increase is cost recovery. USCIS projects that processing Form N-400 will cost approximately $1,107.9 million annually in the FY2026/2027 period. However, at current fees, projected revenue is only $471.9 million, leaving a shortfall of $636.0 million. DHS states that the current fee structure does not cover the actual cost of processing applications, with other applicants’ fees subsidizing the difference.

The agency also points to increased costs associated with enhanced screening and vetting procedures mandated by recent executive orders. Furthermore, DHS suggests that maintaining fee waivers while raising other fees would necessitate an additional $85 to $120 increase per form for those paying the full price.

What Happens Next, and How Fast

The next critical step is the publication of a final rule in the Federal Register. DHS will review all public comments and decide whether to make changes to the proposed rule before issuing the final version. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within the White House handles the regulatory review, and there is no set timeline for this process.

Based on precedent, such as the 2024 USCIS fee rule, there is typically a waiting period of about 60 days between the publication of a final rule and its effective date. This means that applicants should anticipate receiving approximately two months’ notice once the final rule is officially published.

File Now or Wait? How to Decide

For individuals who are eligible to apply for naturalization and qualify for a fee waiver or the reduced fee, filing the Form N-400 now is likely the most advantageous option. Under the previous fee rule, the postmark date determined which fee applied. If this practice continues, submitting your application before the new rule’s effective date will lock in the current fees and waiver policies.

This decision is particularly important for those who stand to save the most money. By filing now, individuals could save between $950 (for reduced fee applicants) and $1,330 (for fee waiver applicants). However, it is crucial not to file before you are truly eligible. USCIS filing fees are generally non-refundable, and an application filed too early or before you are ready for the required tests could be denied, resulting in the loss of the fee.

Steps to Consider Before Filing

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm you meet the residency, physical presence, and good moral character requirements. For most permanent residents, this is five years, while spouses of U.S. citizens typically need three years. You can file up to 90 days before reaching your anniversary date.
2. Assess Discount Qualification: Determine if you qualify for a fee waiver (based on means-tested benefits, income at or below 150% of poverty guidelines, or extreme financial hardship) or the reduced fee (income above 150% and up to 400% of poverty guidelines).
3. Prioritize Discount Filers: If you qualify for a discount, act quickly. The potential savings are substantial. Remember that waiver and reduced-fee requests must be filed on paper.
4. Weigh Savings vs. Readiness for Full-Price Filers: If you will pay the full fee, consider if saving $570 is worth filing now versus waiting until you are fully prepared. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and can pass the English and civics tests.
5. Gather Documentation: Assemble all necessary documents before filing. A complete application can prevent denials and the subsequent need to refile at a higher cost.
6. Monitor for the Final Rule: Keep an eye on the Federal Register for the final rule publication. Once it appears, expect about a 60-day window before the new fees take effect.

Expect a Rush Before the Deadline

Historical data shows that naturalization filings tend to surge before fee increases are implemented. Past fee hikes in 1999 and 2007 saw significant jumps in applications preceding the changes. A similar rush is anticipated if a final rule with a 60-day notice period is published. Filing earlier, rather than during a last-minute surge, can also help avoid potentially longer processing times that often accompany increased application volumes.

Paper or Online Filing

Currently, filing Form N-400 online offers a $50 savings compared to paper filings. This discount is expected to continue even under the proposed fee structure. However, applicants seeking a fee waiver or the reduced fee must file on paper, as these options are not available through the online system. If the proposed rule becomes final, this distinction will become less relevant as both discounts would be eliminated.

Frequently Asked Questions